Sportsman Hernia/ Sportsman Groin

What is it?

Sportsman’s groin (Gilmores Groin, Sportsman’s hernia, inguinal disruption) is an injury most commonly seen in athletes who partake in a sport that involves a lot of kicking, changing of direction or maintaining a semi-bent position (e.g. football, rugby, hockey).

It is thought to occur due to micro-trauma and repeated micro-injuries to the muscles and tendons of the lower abdominal wall. Despite commonly being called a hernia, a hernia in the true sense of the word is not present. Pain is one of the main symptoms, typically occurring with running, sprinting, twisting, abdominal straining and kicking. The pain is often made worse with activity and eased with rest, only to return on resuming the sporting activity.

This injury can often be difficult to diagnose and treat as the symptoms can often be caused by a variety of different injuries/conditions. Furthermore in the medical field there is no clear consensus on name and symptoms. It is therefore essential that an expert in this field with previous experience in this condition carry out the assessment and diagnosis of this condition.

What we do?

The team at The Physiotherapy Academy has over 10 years experience in assessing, diagnosing and treating this condition. Our thorough assessment can be complimented by the latest imaging technology. We will often refer you to a specific specialist and radiologist that has experience in imaging and operating on this particular injury.

What the benefits are?

The benefits of attending The Physiotherapy Academy are a thorough assessment, diagnosis and treatment program tailored to the individual by clinicians that are experienced in this specific injury/condition. We have treated clients in the past, of recreational and elite sporting level, which have responded well to both conservative and surgical intervention.

How can we help?

Sportsman’s groin injuries are rarely seen in youth sports, more commonly evident in the professional or keen amateur athletes. Physiotherapy can help identify the symptoms and the condition with a thorough assessment.

The physiotherapists can advise on the benefits of conservative treatment including manual techniques, exercises and rehabilitation programs or the more invasive surgical option. The advice will be guided by your individual circumstances taking into account the clinical assessment and your daily demand on the structures including recreational, occupational and sporting activities. If the surgical option is deemed to be the most beneficial, we have close links with some of the countries leading surgeons in this field.

Physiotherapy can help prevent this injury, which is key for sports professionals and amateur athletes. Core stability, core strength and pelvic control exercises are effective at reducing this risk, with members of our team specifically trained to tailor a program to your individual needs.

What should you do?

Ideally you should seek help early to avoid the injury getting any worse. Refraining from the aggravating activity is important in the initial phase whilst you seek a medical opinion. The Physiotherapists at The Physiotherapy Academy are an ideal point of initial contact as they have experience with this condition, although if you are unsure about your symptoms it is important that you seek advice from your GP.

To arrange an appointment or speak to a physiotherapist, call or email on: